ANIMALS BILL PASSED

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29336, 15 October 1960, Page 14

ANIMALS BILL PASSED

Miss Howard Shows, Her Appreciation (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 14.' A kiss for the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Skinner) from the Minister of Social Security (Miss Howard) marked the final passage of the Animals Protection Bill, which arose largely from representations made by Miss Howard as a private .member in 1957. ■

When the bill was passed, Miss Howard came round to Mr Skinner’s place in the House and took both his hands in hers and gave him a hearty kiss on the cheek. Mr Skinner, amid remarks and laughter from members, gallantly returned the compliment. Miss Howard then shook hands with the Prime Minister (Mr Nash). DESTRUCTION OF OPOSSUMS Powers Given Rabbit Boards (New • Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, Oct. 14. Powers for rabbit boards to destroy wallabies as well as rab-\ bits are extended'to include opossums in further amendments to the Rabbits Amendment Bill. The latest changes were introduced in the House of Representatives today. The measure provides for the appointment of two extra members to the Rabbit Destruction Council. One is to be nominated by the North Island Rabbit Boards’ Association and the other by the South Island association. Power is given for boards, when classifying land for differential rating, to consider infestation with wallabies and ppossums, as well as rabbits.